[3] The company had claimed it could exclude her because it was a private concern operating in another country and that neither Michigan nor any other state had authority to regulate commerce with Canada (a foreign country); the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Supreme Court, which had upheld the jurisdiction of the state's anti-discrimination provisions and found against the company. Parts of that tower still stand. It's a place for those looking to surround themselves with nature, including the more than 50 different species of birds. About Boblo Island Amusement Park: . saki, Japan. Suddenly, without any warning, there was a relatively large mammal in the middle of the trail, directly in the line of my front bike tire. Boblo Island is accessible by a 16-car ferry that departs from the dock next to the Bob-Lo Island Discovery Centre, which is at 340 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg, ON. The 24-year-old Black woman boarded the SS Columbia en route for Boblo Island a Canadian amusement park beloved by Detroiters. Did you work on both the SS Ste. [28] However, a local housing slump meant little was developed. Loved going to Bob-Lo as a kid. My husband is from The living space of the Deerview twin villas. The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. You can also see the large stage and the curtain with big holes in it. We also traveled from past to the present on the island, which was a must-visit destination for families for decades. The cars operated by drawing power from an overhead electric grid unlike the Bumper Boats in use today. [1] Screamer, a double corkscrew; Nightmare, an indoor all-dark ride; and Sky Streak, a steel out-and-back design, were its three roller coasters. [32] The dance hall was the second largest in the world, holding 5,000 dancers at full capacity[31] and featured one of the world's largest orchestrions from the Welte company: a 16 foot tall, 14 foot wide, self-playing Wotan-model orchestrion with 419 pipes and percussion section. I, too, went there every year as a child from Detroit. See more ideas about island, amusement park, boblo boat. Each year the largest gathering was sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of Detroit, which would often draw more than 10,000 visitors to their Scottish Games. A woman leans against the fence in the foreground to take a picture of the ride. Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. Boblo Island closed for essentially the same reasons as many other urban amusement parks closed. Four million tourists flock to Liberty Island in New York each year to see the architectural marvel, The Statue of Liberty. - Kathy G. We kids were able to run up and down the stairs on the boat and go to the dance floor. . He was 20 years older than me. By 1910 the first amusement park rides, the carousel, ponies and a dancing pavillion were available. Claire, seen in 2016. My favorite ride was the Log Ride, I thought it was the greatest thing of all time. [29], The tower for the Space Needle ride was demolished in 2021, with Amicone citing "health and safety concerns". On a summer day in 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray stood up for something because she wasn't allowed to sit down. It was set on Ontario's picturesque Bois Blanc Island (frequently known as "Boblo Island") and featured everything you could want in a theme park. [23] Townhouses and condominiums were proposed in 1997. The ruins of what remains can be seen via the waterway that separates both Michigan and Ontario, but for many, the memories of this once-bustling park are what truly keep it alive. You can visit the island now, as I did in July of 2011 (all the photos accompanying the blog posting above were taken on that visit), by taking a small car ferry across a narrow strip of the Detroit River from the Bob-Lo Discovery Centre in Amherstburg, Ontario. 2y Guy Adelini One of my favorite rides! Every home on the island is just steps away from the water. In 1991, the two Boblo boats were sold and smaller ferries took people from Gibraltar, MI., to the island, as well as to and from Amherstburg, Ontario. The Beach House Goodie Shack offers apparel, gifts, and home decor for residents and visitors Thursday through Sunday. the building is not secure, given that one-quarter of a large window in the front is broken in, metal strips hanging from its frame. Gloomy days sometimes deserve black and white treatment. The island is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide - just 272 acres. OBSCURIST TOURIST 025 - Boblo Island Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park which operated from 1898 until its closure on September 30, 1993. We also traveled. The boat was taken to Toledo on Tuesday. http://boblo.ca/. For 19 years, the site has been abandoned, with many rides left to battle corrosion and plant life. A sign leads residents and visitors to dining venues and the marina on Boblo Island. The steamers, the Ste. The existence of such an organization would certainly be complicated by the facts that 1) Bob-Lo is a Canadian island with an overbearing American past, and 2) today Bob-Lo primarily serves asa retreat for the wealthy, who I can imagine would not want people coming to visit the historical remains there,any more than they would want hunters (although if theyown a cat or a small dog, the latter might be welcome if they could take care of the coyote population). People should not be making assumptions about the island residents. Is there a safe dock area, in which to leave our boat-(also Draft/depth) info .Is there a dock fee? By golf cart or bike or on foot are the only ways to navigate the crushed limestone trails that cover the remainder of the island,but for the residential area (the only place where cars are allowed). [1] The park was located on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Boblo (or Bob-Lo) sparks memories for many adults who spent summers riding the ferry to Boblo Island, visiting its amusement park or just enjoying a picnic. Plus it was a place where the 400-pipe, 4-meter high, self-playing orchestra was housed. One cant imagine a happy centennial celebration for this historic building . The amusement park was so famous in its day that Henry Ford himself provided money for a Dance Hall to be built, designed by the architect John Scott. You can still see the words "Boblo Island" on the Space Needle, 25 years after the park's closing. These luxury dwellings were erected. BOBLO Island poster. The Whip was installed in 1920, which was a huge hit, essentially paying for itself. The company had just been sold to a group from Texas who ran a small park. For more than 85 years, the Boblo Island Amusement Park was famous for being served by the Steamer Ste Claire and the Steamer Columbia excursion boats that could hold about 2,500 passengers each. Quite disappointing that we never went back, management was doing a terrible job. "Yeah, she's 110 years old, but she's well-built and she survived," said boat co-owner, Ron Kattoo. The plan is to restore it and have it run in the Hudson River Valley. In 1958 the island was the site of joint Canadian-American war games, addressing a hostile force presence with amphibious units from around the Great Lakes. Only a few buildings and the sky tower structure still stand. Other islands Ivevisited have their own historical societies or have joined with other nearby islands to form a historical society: Johnson Island Preservation Society, Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, St. Clair Flats Historical Society, Beaver Island Historical Society, the Grosse Ile Historical Society, and Friends of Bell Isle (now a part ofthe newBelle Isle Conservancy). [16] Moodenbaugh later sued Benaroya and others for attempting to sell the park while he lay in a "virtual coma". This thrilling park closed its doors for good in 1981, but not before providing visitors with decades of fun. [18], In 1994, John Oram, an Iraqi immigrant to the United States who owned car stereo businesses, purchased the Boblo Island site. 2023 Detroit Historical Society. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, which worked to help escaped slaves leave the country. To tell you the truth I remember the boat rides to the park more than the park itself. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/ (Sorry, you may need to copy and paste the website addresses above; my link feature is not successfully linking at the moment. The park was closed for the 1933-1934 seasons due to the Great Depression. "That's probably because I have about twice as many rides as Boblo Island." My most vivid memory is the Sky Diver ride. From Queens, you can get there via the Roosevelt Island Bridgethis is the only way to walk or drive onto the island. Its sister. 1937 Technically, it was known as Eastwood Amusement Park, but nearly everyone called it Eastwood Park, or just Eastwood. what a fun and exciting place. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. . 272 acres. A retreat for the wealthy, amidst dilapidated remnants of history and ghosts of the past, with nature ever encroaching. The dock is gone and the passageway is mostly surrounded by weeds and overgrown grass. In the distance is a building featuring dozens of condos. Yongma Land Abandoned Theme Park. Boblo was originally named Bois Blanc by the French, but residents couldn't pronounce the name. Which may not be surprising, given that its been many thingscamp for European explorers, fortress, picnic spot, dance venue, amusement park, retreatto many people over the centuries beginning with four Algonquin and Iroquoian tribes:the Ojibwa (Chippewa), Ottawa, Potawatomi and the Wyandot (Huron)one source claims the original name of the island was Etiowiteedannenti, a name bestowed by the Wyandotand followed by: The first recorded passage to the island, which was named Bois Blanc (White Woods), by the French dates from 1670. In fact didn''t go as much as I would of liked to. And I stood and looked across the river, and what I remember is no longer there, and Im 54 years old . We were participating in a totally sanctioned, transportation-provided-by-the-school-district Ninth-Grade Skip Day. We would have boarded either the Ste. To the north of the road leading from the ferry dock is a subdivision ofmini-mansions and duplexes, with an emphasis on stone and heavy on Victorian-style turrets. These homes are 1,250 square feet on the sides, 1,625 in the middle. Boblo Island now boasts deluxe houses and condos, valued from $184,000 to $1.15 million, with walk-out basements and turreted views of the Detroit River. The classic boats stopped running in 1991 and the amusement park was shuttered after the 1993 season. The case reached the U.S. Supreme Court and resulted in a notable 1948 decision construing the scope of the commerce clause. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society. St. Clair Shores (1950-60s) & never went to the park. A powerhouse that supplied electricity to the nearby Carousel which is no longer there. Two twin villa homes on the north end of the island. Located at the mouth of the Detroit River, which . Larry Benaroya, his associate, and his Northern Capital took control of the property; Mancini was fired, and the ownership group put it back on the market in January 1994. Neither will my grandchildren. Boblo Island was very special. Sue Cicala. It was like a little cruise. Hard to believe it was an big destination, it seems too small to support an amusement park. Without Michael's approval the park was closed, the rides sold off, dismantled and shipped away. More than a century later, in the 1920s, the amusement park opened on the sitethen closed in 1966 after the accidental deaths of two young patrons, including one on the spooky circular swing. I recently visited the island to see that the old Theatre still stands. The island is mainly a place where people can live in serenity. [32], Boblo's Scootaboats, which were very similar to well known Bumper Cars, were a popular ride. The swan paddle boat ride was added in 1970, which became a fan favorite. They are located next to the Dance Hall. When I was riding my bike on a trail that runs through the middle of the island, I came upon a T-intersection buried amidst tall, tall grass, with the Carousel Building on my left and the Powerhouse on my right. The Ste. The ferry is a short four minute ride to the island. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). How to get to Boblo Island: You support the mega millionaires who dont care about anything else in life except their bank accounts. People from all over Michigan, Canada and from as far away as California, have chosen to make Boblo Island their home. I remember the log ride, where we''d all get wet but would soon dry out running about, the carousel, and of course the roller coaster. The children of this time will never get to enjoy what we did when we were children. Morale among the employees both on the Boats and the Island was at an all-time low according to some veteran workers. "I have all the amenities of city life that I need within walking distance in Amherstburg, and all the amazing amenities the island life brings me.". The first thing I did when I got back home was to search for a Bob-Lo Historical Society on the Internet. I just would like to see whats there and for my family to share it with me. Here's what we saw as we recently explored the amusement park area. Boblo Island became the headquarters for the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812. He had hoped to build a bridge to Bob-Lo to eliminate the inconvenience of the boat rides, but he did not realize (or appreciate) that Bob-Lo Island was across an international border from Michigan. . Boblo Island Amusement Park ran from 1898 to 1993. 525 55 shares Like Most relevant Ryan Hance How long ago did this place close and why did it close down? Really sad. I was just in Amherstburg Sunday May 27,2013. Boblo Island today: I was born and raised in Wyandotte, Michigan. Series: DOCUMERICA: The Environmental Protection Agency's Program to Photographically Document Subjects of Environmental Concern, 1972 - 1977, via National Archives and Records Administration, Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Historical Society, A glass blower puts on a demonstration in the craftsmen's area - 1970s, A child takes a spin on a ride at Boblo Island - 1970s. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 2y Julie Enmei Bondy I just kayaked to Boblo Island today, and I saw so much potential left in this land. Hoffmeister and Friese had an agreement that established . Its amusement rides were sold in 1994. The last screams of joy could be heard from the little island of fun 25 years ago as the Cedar Point of Michigan closed for the final time. There are just two ways in and out of the island. Thank you again!! Starting in the mid-1990s, however, it began a tumultuous phase that ultimately ended in its demise. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com). Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. How to rent hobbit-type MUSHROOM HOUSES in Northern Michigan, Haunting insides of the abandoned NORTHVILLE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, See Michigan's only ALPINE MOUNTAIN SLIDE, 1,700 feet of fun, Inside Michigan's OLDEST OPERATING INN built in 1835, This may be the MOST PICTURESQUE spot in Michigan, Inside the SMITHSONIAN OF MAGIC, located in Michigan, We explored WARREN DUNES, the Sleeping Bear of Southwest MI, GoPro video riding MICHIGAN'S LONGEST ZIPLINE, Exploring Michigan's abandoned, haunted ELOISE ASYLUM, Country's LARGEST AUTO MUSEUM is in the middle of nowhere, Michigan. Windsor Mayor Arthur John Reaume wanted the island to be designated a National Park. The park sat just above the mouth of the Detroit River, but was actually on the Canadian side on Bois Blanc Island, Ontario. The juvenile coyote was gone in another blink of the eye. After the short ferry ride, residents simply drive right onto the island onto Boblo Island Blvd. It is now an expensive, gated housing community with a private clubhouse. The abandoned amusement park was a p. It was one of the most popular places to dance in the 1920s. Visit Boblo.ca for information about living on the island. If youre interested, check out Patrick Livingstons book Summer Dreams: The Story of Bob-Lo Island, published by Wayne State University Press in 2008. We dont save anything for history any more. I would make sure my friends knew all the history of Bob-Lo. Here are some of the homes and what life is like on Boblo Island today. Yes, I list http://www.boblo.ca as a source where one can get more information in my book Great Lakes Island Escapes: Ferries and Bridges to Adventure (Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 2016). Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Poison ivy now grows in the ring of mature trees in front of the Lavatory building, where I imagine the men in hatsretiring for a smoke while they await their dates inflapper attireto emerge from The Ladies Room.. To get to Bob-Lo Islandin the 21st century, you takea ferry from Amherstburg, Ontario, instead of from the old dock on Jefferson Avenuein Detroit. It lies just above the mouth of the Detroit River. Claire and the SS Columbia? $19 million in debt, John's brother Randy forced Boblo Island into court-appointed receivership in 2004. Flags at the Amherstburg Dock. The ferry is run for the island residents, their guests, and prospective buyers of lots in the Triamico Development Affiliates marina resort community. However, there is a public restaurant, the Bob-Lo Island Beach House, on the west side of the island by the marina (ferry docks at the east side). It was awesome place. Heres an article that was in this past Sundays Detroit Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development Speaking of Sugar Island, have you heard, as of last year, theres now a public beach there? The park opened in 1898 and closed its doors for good on September 30th,1993 as a result of poor management, rising maintenance costs and declining attendance thanks to more attractive parks in the region like Cedar Point. Only about a third of a milea 5 to 10-minute walk, depending on your speedfrom the ferry dock on the west side of the island, east on Bob-Lo Island Boulevard, to the marina on the other side of the narrow island. These are the remains of some of the washrooms. People quit coming in the 1980s, then the money for upkeep is not there. Presented in the name of the border cities of Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg. The ship in mid-swing. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Hundreds of small amusement parks went out in 1980s as families all went to super amusement parks like Cedar Point and Six Flags and did not visit small ones often. Ken Haddad is the digital content and audience manager for WDIV / ClickOnDetroit.com. One of the many residential homes on the north end of Boblo Island, Ontario, seen Wednesday, July 27, 2016. He previously worked for Ringling Brothers Circus and captivated children with adventurous tales and knock-knock jokes until his retirement in 1974, at the age of 90. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. This is a small area of the white sand beach open to residents of Boblo Island. On the south side of the road leading from the ferry dock is a five-story condominium: Between the river and the condominium is a trail which heads south along the islands perimeter and allows a walker orbicyclist to view a number of historical structures, including the Sailors Monument, which still graces the eastern shore of the island: The commemorative plaque affixed to the Sailors Monument reads: Dedicated to 134 years of American-Canadian friendship across 4500 miles of unfortified border, protected only by the mutual respect and understanding one nation holds for the other. The last summer that Bob-Lo operated as an amusement park was almost two decades ago: 1993. Kathi. I wouldnt identify the owners in this suburban retreat as millionaires, but the island has been many things to many people over the centuries: the Ojibwe, the Ottawa, the Potawatomi, and the Wyandot all used the island before it was christened Bois Blanc. Later it was: a camp for European explorers, the site of a French Catholic mission, within reach of a British fort, headquarters for the Shawnee chief Tecumseh during the War of 1812, an invasion site for Canadian patriots during the Upper Canada Rebellion, and more recently, a picnic spot and a dance venue, all before the rise and decline of the amusement park. Now surrounded by tall grass and weeds, the park's historic entertainment theater remains near the center of the island. Look at Sugar Island.it once was a special place. As one can use motor vehicles only in the northern residential tip of the island, if you plan to explore the island, you may want to bring a bike with you. My birthday is coming up, maybe my family can take me to the island. "Living on the island feels like being on vacation everyday," said Gena Boschin, a former Tennessee resident who lives on the island and works in Amherstburg. In 1973, the Thunder Bolt coaster was built, which drew long lines. A new film tells us. Between my concerns for the submerged rocks of the river and the mortar of history I was climbing over, I thought, what a wonderful place this island would be to explore if you were a kid or teenager and what a nightmare it poses for parents or grandparents of those explorers! Many locals still have great memories riding the ferry to Boblo Island Amusement Park, which eventually. 10. The park has been closed since 1993 DETROIT - Say the name "Boblo" to anyone who grew up around Michigan, and their eyes will light up. Bois Blanc has been part of Canada since 1787. [27] Dominic Amicone became the new owner in 2005. Claire, built in 1910. -Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park 1898-1993 Thanks . http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/17/historic-boblo-island-blo_n_1098807.html, http://www.flickr.com/photos/33535417@N05/4112593095/, http://www.boblo.ca/pages/living/restaurant.html, https://www.facebook.com/BobloIslandMarina, http://www.rivertowntimes.com/?s=Captain+bobs&submit, http://www.freep.com/article/20140706/NEWS05/307060053/boblo-island-memories-boat-development, http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/23/grosse-iles-sugar-island-beach-opens-to-public-saturday/, Boblo Island Beach House Restaurant Houzz Home, Slaves (traveling the Underground Railroad), The south blockhouse, built in 1838 (Update: See.
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